Demand for bird seed from householders eager to help wildlife during the winter snow storms and strong sales of real Christmas trees helped the Garden Centre Group post a jump in profits.

As the harsh December weather sparked warnings that many small birds faced starvation, the chain of 121 garden centres said "wild bird sales" rose 8% in the five weeks to 27 December. It credited a new range of RSPB bird food and the lack of food available because of the cold snap.

The chain, which was once Wyevale Garden Centres, also posted a 7% rise in sales of Christmas trees and said that it managed to meet demand despite a shortage.

Overall, gross profits rose 17% to £14m after what was termed a "terrific" Christmas for the company, which is now owned by a consortium of investors led by Lloyds Banking Group.

The group's centres – which include Blooms, Woodlands and Wyevale outlets – pulled in more punters to their restaurants after it introduced more "home-cooked fare". Restaurant sales rose 10% as the chain sold more than 150,000 home-made mince pies.

Total Christmas sales were £26m, a similar level to a year earlier, but margins improved significantly as Garden Centre Group highlighted tighter stock control.

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